At New Urban Home Builders, we are passionate about architecture and design.

It's that simple.

We understand that clients are unique, with distinctive lifestyles, tastes and budgets. We're proud to collaborate with West Michigans's elite architects, interior designers and craftspersons to create expertly constructed and energy efficient homes reflecting those distinctions.

And we know: Impeccable service matters.

We've always been and will always be a boutique builder, undertaking only a handful of projects each year for good reason. Staying small allows our team to give each project the full attention it deserves.

Scott Branc

Owner, Principal

National Association of Home Builders, Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)National Association of Home Builders, Certified Green Professional (CGP)National Association of Home Builders, 20 Club

Scott Branc has long been drawn to architecture, design and high performance construction. A former engineer, Scott worked early in his career for Johnson Controls, and later Medtronic, where he developed an enthusiasm for creative problem-solving and a keen eye for detail. He made his leap into the construction industry as a partner in a construction software business. Excited by the challenge of constructing elegant and well made homes, Scott refocused his professional energies on mastering building science. In 2003, he launched New Urban Home Builders in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He sold the local business a few years later and moved to Texas, where he established New Urban Home Builders of Austin and served on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. In 2013, Scott and his family moved back to Michigan and he reacquired the GR-based company. Scott has since served on the Board of Directors of the Home Builder Association of Greater Grand Rapids (HBAGGR) and is currently president of his NAHB 20 Club chapter. Scott is a graduate of the Western Michigan University College of Engineering & Applied Sciences.

Rick Smith

Project Manager

Rick Smith grew up in the industry with a developer/builder father, uncle and cousins all in the family tradition. After earning a business degree from Grand Rapids Community College, Rick began his own career by developing and building senior housing with R.E. Smith & Son Development while simultaneously spearheading his own residential building company, West Wood Builders. In 2014, Rick joined Rockford Construction, taking on large-scale commercial work. In his spare time, he returned to his entrepreneurial roots by forming R.E.S. Services, a construction consulting firm serving homeowners and contractors. Rick joined the New Urban Home Builders team in 2015, eager to share his considerable experience in project management and custom home-building.

Alison Black

Office Manager

Alison Black also joined the New Urban team in 2015. Alison came to us from Michigan State University's W.K. Kellogg Biological Station where she oversaw marketing and communications as well as coordinated the station's 200+-member volunteer program. Previously, she was a freelance reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Alison enjoys working with New Urban's wonderful clientele, and keeping the office organized and our systems and processes on point. She holds undergraduate degrees in English and Media Studies from California State University Long Beach and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University.